Pair Of Fô Lions - Smoky Quartz On Base - XIXth - Ming Dynasty Style

Magnificent pair of Fô lions in smoky quartz each proudly resting on a small wooden plinth on feet.

Smoky quartz is a rock crystal that is distinguished from other quartz by its color which varies between brown and black.

In the 12th century, this brown crystal would have been used to make the first sunglasses in China.
Subsequently, in the 19th century, the use of smoky quartz in society evolved as it became the stone of choice for crystal balls used in clairvoyance.

It symbolizes the uplifting of the soul and protection against misfortune. It is a stone of protection and anchor used for meditation and rest.

Many legends present the lion of Fô to us as a benevolent being who would work together with man to drive out evil spirits.

Period: XIXth - Style: Ming Dynasty
Dimensions: without the base - Height: 5cm x Width 9cm. With base: H: 7cm x W: 9cm

Traditionally, the lions of Fô are massive sculptures made of stone and mounted on heavy bases decorated with engraved symbols that specialists call "xumizuo".

Despite their Chinese lion nickname, these creatures are not related to the King of the Jungle.

Their appearance comes from myths where they are described to us as imposing dogs with bulging eyes and playful smiles, whose curly fur and roaring mouths wide open command respect and leave a feeling of great ferocity.

Most often, Fo lions live in pairs (consisting of a male and a female), thus ensuring balance and harmony.

Sometimes also, a large pearl is in their mouth to represent their sacred breath.
Despite many similarities, Chinese lions can have different styles depending on the time period they were designed and the dynasty that ruled the Middle Empire at that time.

For example, the statues erected in the Han Dynasty or during the Tang era are tall, imposing and massive. Those of the Yuan dynasty on the other hand will be slimmer and muscular.

The later dynasties of Imperial China (namely the Ming and Qing) instead produced calm and peaceful-looking Fo lions, as if to show some wisdom gained over centuries of existence.